Thanks for reading my blog. I am a bit late with establishing this blog, relatively speaking, but excited nonetheless. First and foremost, this will be an avenue of discussion about all things related to drums and drumming, what I consider to be my most enduring contribution to the world:) Other related topics will surface too…
A little about myself, I have been playing and teaching drums for over 25 years (hard to believe it’s been that long). I started playing at 8 years of age and it’s been a drumming party ever since. In my formative years I studied and performed in every school band I had access to in my hometown of Philadelphia, which included All-State and All-City bands. During my years in the All-City Philadelphia Jazz Band I had the awesome experience of knowing and performing with world-class bassist Christian McBride. I also had the privilege of playing along-side John Roberts, an amazing drummer who has played with Janet Jackson and a slew of great artists. He is now known as Lil’ John Roberts…Google the guy, he is amazing (I think he endorses Sabian now).
I went on to study at the Armed Forces School of Music in 91′ as a Naval musician. Being a Naval musician was one of the best things I could have done for my musical development, so many awesoe musicians there. Any drummers out there looking for a gig should consider military bands (they are not what you might think). I was also in The Marine Band, totally diferent experience but fun nonetheless. Anyway, long story short, I’ve played with many great musicians including Grover Washington, Jr. and Andre Avelino, a great friend and amazing guitarist. I have a BA and MA in other disciplines but I am a life long student of drums and music.
Currently, while I am playing with The Tom Hipps Band and doing freelance gigs I am getting my private teaching practice underway here in Minnepolis/St. Paul. For any of you in the Twin Cities area who might be looking to learn or advance their skills in the art of drumming please feel free to contact me via this blog, call me at 651-230-6214 or email me at jns14@comcast.net. I teach out of my private studio, however I’m also willing to go to your home or studio. I’m looking forward to getting to know students of all ages and skill levels here in Minnesota.
If you have time take a listen to these tracks. They were recorded at The Bitter End in Greenwich Village New York with the Max Graham Band in 2000. Max Graham and Kenny Simmons (of The Commodores) and the rest of the band were a lot of fun to perform with. The first tune, Voice in the Wind, has some solos at the end and the second, When Will I Learn, gets into some Latin stuff. I hope you enjoy. I will be posting more samples…
http://www.box.net/shared/1sxghmcp4n
Take it easy and thanks for stopping by. Jason
